The McElroy family moved into this stunning Gaillardia home in July of 2022, enlisting Taylor Malone of Dovetail Studio to help them renovate the master suite and kitchen, and select fixtures and furniture — a collaboration that resulted in spaces that are welcoming and traditional with modern twists. Warm oak paneling pairs well with bright white walls; the cozy library is made contemporary with a pair of aqua velvet chairs and a chandelier of glass orbs; and the powder bath’s original black and white floral wallpaper stands out with the addition of a fluted vanity in eggplant purple.
And each November, Malone and her business partner Natalie Turner — they also co-own Millésime House, a home décor shop — outdo themselves in outfitting the McElroy house with Christmas decorations. On the front porch, a lighted evergreen swag frames the archway, and wreaths with velvet ribbons hang atop the double doors, while garlands drape elegantly along the banister and the mantel inside. A mix of faux and fresh greenery brings the best of both worlds: longevity and the crisp scents of evergreen, cranberry and eucalyptus. In the foyer, a round stone table stands ready to hold platters of food, while gold and glass boxes filled with ornaments and topped with ribbons resemble a pile of presents.
The color palette of the Christmas décor perfectly complements the design of the home. The homeowners love jewel tones, as is evidenced by the emerald velvet sofa in the formal living room. This was one of the first pieces bought for the space; Jenny McElroy knew it would go beautifully with the wood paneling. Hanging above is a commissioned painting by Oklahoma artist Piper Bridwell. Abstract, textured, colorful and subtly filled with words from the homeowner’s favorite scripture, this personalized piece makes a visual statement. Jewel-toned ornaments rest in silver bowls and hang from tree branches. Those in traditional Christmas reds and greens nod to the traditional style of the home, while ornaments in amethyst, sapphire, turquoise and pink play up the contemporary touches throughout. Gold stems mixed into the mantel’s garland echo the golden tones of the adjacent mirror.
While all the Christmas décor is stunning, the star of the show is the tree. This 12-foot-tall spruce from Balsam Hill is festooned with around 500 ornaments. The two-story height of the formal living room allows for a stately tree, and its placement in front of a wall of windows makes it even more of a focal point. Shine, light and color are complemented by texture in the form of cascading velvet ribbon. Malone explained a distinctive element she incorporated into her design: “As an alternative for the tree skirt, mixed metallic orbs were placed around the base of the tree to create movement and reflection in the room.”
When asked about her favorite aspect of the Christmas décor, Jenny McElroy said: “I really love that when you walk in your eyes are drawn to the tree. It’s just a very peaceful, happy room.”
It’s also undeniably celebratory — a testament to the beautiful work done by Dovetail Studio, and to the peace and happiness that represent the shimmering spirit of the season.
